Hight and strength

[Lizzy3200]

I Know hight will affect long term strength but by how much? I'm 5'7" (kind of short, I know) and I'm very dedicated to my strength training. I hope to one day be able to bench 315 and maybe, but unlikely, 405. As well as a 500+ 1rpm squat and 600-700+ deadlift.
Im very far from those goals but cant find any info on hight and strength, just weight.

[etet1919]

I Know hight will affect long term strength but by how much? I'm 5'7" (kind of short, I know) and I'm very dedicated to my strength training. I hope to one day be able to bench 315 and maybe, but unlikely, 405. As well as a 500+ 1rpm squat and 600-700+ deadlift.
Im very far from those goals but cant find any info on hight and strength, just weight.

You can't find any info on strength relative to height because such a thing does not exist. Strength is usually determined by poundage lifted relative to your weight, as you already know.

You may read, or hear, that height (or different leverages...biomechanics) can play a role in an individual's ability to lift. While it may be one factor in the whole equation, strength has always been formally determined by an individual's weight vs. poundage lifted. They have various weight classes in competitive combat sports, bodybuilding, powerlifting competitions, for example...

You have to check out the Starting Strength program, located in the stickies!! I think it will be right up your alley

[WolfRose7]

You can't find any info on strength relative to height because such a thing does not exist. Strength is usually determined by poundage lifted relative to your weight, as you already know.

You may read, or hear, that height (or different leverages...biomechanics) can play a role in an individual's ability to lift. While it may be one factor in the whole equation, strength has always been formally determined by an individual's weight vs. poundage lifted. They have various weight classes in competitive combat sports, bodybuilding, powerlifting competitions, for example...

You have to check out the Starting Strength program, located in the stickies!! I think it will be right up your alley

Here's the thing though, powerlifting weight classes are height classes at the top.
If you're above average height for your weight class you're more than likely below the average lean body mass.

So height is relevant in competitions

“The best weight class for you will generally be the biggest weight class you can fill out while still being fairly lean.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.str...t-for-you/amp/

Stronger by Science also has some genetic potential calculators OP.
Also worth keeping in mind Ed Coan was 5'6"

[backinthegymbro]

Arm length and leg length matters in specific exercises. But in the end it just comes down to how hard you train, how good your diet is and what your genetics at max potential can accomplish.

[TheUnderdog83]

I Know hight will affect long term strength but by how much? I'm 5'7" (kind of short, I know) and I'm very dedicated to my strength training. I hope to one day be able to bench 315 and maybe, but unlikely, 405. As well as a 500+ 1rpm squat and 600-700+ deadlift.
Im very far from those goals but cant find any info on hight and strength, just weight.

You shouldn’t focus on the one thing you can’t change (your height). As a side note, you likely won’t ever get to 500/405/650 as a natural lifter. People lifting those numbers have had a little help along the way or are extremely gifted genetically.

[keyboardworkout]

Ed Coan is 5'6".

[dazitmayn]

You shouldn’t focus on the one thing you can’t change (your height). As a side note, you likely won’t ever get to 500/405/650 as a natural lifter. People lifting those numbers have had a little help along the way or are extremely gifted genetically.

i would say a 500 squat and a 650 deadlift is definitely not out the realm for a natty. a 405 bench is definitely harder to achieve for most people unless they have god tier leverages and genetics or if they are just bench specialists.

i can bench 365, it only went up about 10 lbs since last year, gains get extremely slow unless you just say f it and don't mind gaining some fat, but I've only gained maybe 2-3 lbs at most and don't want to go the bloat route. i see alot of people get stuck around the 350-390 range and it seems to just plateau for years. just have to either accept that you need to put on significant weight or perhaps hire a good PL coach who can take you there

[TheUnderdog83]

i would say a 500 squat and a 650 deadlift is definitely not out the realm for a natty. a 405 bench is definitely harder to achieve for most people unless they have god tier leverages and genetics or if they are just bench specialists.

i can bench 365, it only went up about 10 lbs since last year, gains get extremely slow unless you just say f it and don't mind gaining some fat, but I've only gained maybe 2-3 lbs at most and don't want to go the bloat route. i see alot of people get stuck around the 350-390 range and it seems to just plateau for years. just have to either accept that you need to put on significant weight or perhaps hire a good PL coach who can take you there

It’s possible, but unlikely. Just googled powerlifting records for drug tested federations. I’d say 165 is a good lean weight for somebody 5’6” - 5’7”, below is a link to California’s state record holders in this PL federation. The 165 pound open record holder has max lifts of 446/347/534.

http://rawpowerlifting.com/wp-conten...NG-RECORDS.pdf

[DCSpartan]

Ed Coan is 5'6".

beat me to it.

OP, google this guy, then follow him on IG.

[dazitmayn]

It’s possible, but unlikely. Just googled powerlifting records for drug tested federations. I’d say 165 is a good lean weight for somebody 5’6” - 5’7”, below is a link to California’s state record holders in this PL federation. The 165 pound open record holder has max lifts of 446/347/534.

http://rawpowerlifting.com/wp-conten...NG-RECORDS.pdf

that's just a random powerlifting fed in California though, probably not the most popular

https://www.powerliftingwatch.com/all-time

There's at least 70 people on this list with over a 500 squat. I'm sure there are plenty of people towards the bottom end of 500. I've been to powerlifting gyms and there are a handful of people that can squat 500 at around the 165-181 weight class. While they certainly could be on something regardless I don't think it's the most uncommon and most unachievable thing. Conversely there's only about 30 people at 165 that has benched 405+. Deadlift yeah 650 might be quite alot for somebody who is 165. But in general most people around an average height of 5'9-5'10 can just move up in weight to anyway from 180-200 lbs to achieve those numbers easier

[TheUnderdog83]

that's just a random powerlifting fed in California though, probably not the most popular

https://www.powerliftingwatch.com/all-time

There's at least 70 people on this list with over a 500 squat. I'm sure there are plenty of people towards the bottom end of 500. I've been to powerlifting gyms and there are a handful of people that can squat 500 at around the 165-181 weight class. While they certainly could be on something regardless I don't think it's the most uncommon and most unachievable thing. Conversely there's only about 30 people at 165 that has benched 405+. Deadlift yeah 650 might be quite alot for somebody who is 165. But in general most people around an average height of 5'9-5'10 can just move up in weight to anyway from 180-200 lbs to achieve those numbers easier

I don’t completely disagree with you. Those numbers are certainly possible for a natural lifter, but it is highly unlikely. 70 people compared to the 325 million that live in the USA is 0.000022% of the population. Also, unless that lift is done at a drug tested event I always assume the lifter is enhanced.

I’m not trying to be difficult or disagreeable, I just don’t want OP to get discouraged if his genetics don’t allow those lofty goals so he considers enhancements. OP’s goal should be to continually get stronger even if his lifts never come close to those goals.

[TolerantLactose]

If you're the tallest lifter in your weight class, you're in the wrong weight class.

[superman704]

From what i heard, Ed Coan is 5'5'' and is considered the Michael Jordan of powerlifting. Let that sink in

[dazitmayn]

I don’t completely disagree with you. Those numbers are certainly possible for a natural lifter, but it is highly unlikely. 70 people compared to the 325 million that live in the USA is 0.000022% of the population. Also, unless that lift is done at a drug tested event I always assume the lifter is enhanced.

I’m not trying to be difficult or disagreeable, I just don’t want OP to get discouraged if his genetics don’t allow those lofty goals so he considers enhancements. OP’s goal should be to continually get stronger even if his lifts never come close to those goals.

I mean 80% of people don't lift at all (idk just guessing). Out of those people that do lift how many actually lift seriously? Out of those who lift seriously, how many of them actually powerlift or at the very least chase strength totals? I think anybody around 180-200 lbs should probably reach a 500 squat with at least a decade of training but yeah I agree the goal should just be to get continuously stronger. I'm just talking from experience and what I see around me.

[etet1919]

I Know hight will affect long term strength but by how much? I'm 5'7" (kind of short, I know) and I'm very dedicated to my strength training. I hope to one day be able to bench 315 and maybe, but unlikely, 405. As well as a 500+ 1rpm squat and 600-700+ deadlift.
Im very far from those goals but cant find any info on hight and strength, just weight.

I don't know why this thread turned into a powerlifting number competition comparison discussion....but the only thing you should be thinking about is picking a solid strength program (like Starting Strength) and then focusing on instructions and YOUR OWN PROGRESS. You don't need to determine your genetic potential right now. The idea is simply to get started!

You can keep specific numbers you'd like to hit in mind. Envision yourself at your best, in the future, but just focus on getting your form down for now...

[TheUnderdog83]

I don't know why this thread turned into a powerlifting number competition comparison discussion...

Lol, sorry, my fault. I’ll behave

[DCSpartan]

I understand Ed Coan is a manlet hero in here but bare in mind he had arm lengths ogmf a gorilla. His arms were not average for a person of his height

Hey its Mr 97 pound Bench weighing in.

[TolerantLactose]

I understand Ed Coan is a manlet hero in here but bare in mind he had arm lengths ogmf a gorilla. His arms were not average for a person of his height

That's a huge advantage when squatting and benching.

[rdf1988]

I understand Ed Coan is a manlet hero in here but bare in mind he had arm lengths ogmf a gorilla. His arms were not average for a person of his height

Not to mention his hands.

[etet1919]

That's a huge advantage when squatting and benching.

Actually, long arms are a disadvantage for benching and OV pressing...but great for deadlifting!

[TolerantLactose]

Actually, long arms are a disadvantage for benching and OV pressing...but great for deadlifting!

...yes, I know. I should try to be less subtle.

Edit: I get it now. The twit I quoted got deleted.

[sunsean]

I believe height is an indicator of potential strength...for the most part taller people weigh more, and thus can have more lean mass compared to shorter people. You wouldn’t expect someone lean at 5’7 to weigh the same as someone lean at 6’2 (Assuming training and conditioning were comparable). The extra lean mass of the taller person should theoretically allow them to lift more weight.

I see it in the gym all the time: a tall lanky guy will push as much weight as a shorter guy who looks more muscular. Height does correlate with strength.

[TolerantLactose]

I believe height is an indicator of potential strength...for the most part taller people weigh more, and thus can have more lean mass compared to shorter people. You wouldn’t expect someone lean at 5’7 to weigh the same as someone lean at 6’2 (Assuming training and conditioning were comparable). The extra lean mass of the taller person should theoretically allow them to lift more weight.

I see it in the gym all the time: a tall lanky guy will push as much weight as a shorter guy who looks more muscular. Height does correlate with strength.

In powerlifting, lifters are classed by weight so the shorter lifter will have the advantage. Someone at 5'6" squatting 3 plates is doing less work than someone at 6'2" squatting the same because the bar travel is less.

Work = force x distance

But, in general, yes, bigger/taller will be the advantage.

[sunsean]

In powerlifting, lifters are classed by weight so the shorter lifter will have the advantage. Someone at 5'6" squatting 3 plates is doing less work than someone at 6'2" squatting the same because the bar travel is less.

Work = force x distance

I suppose for powerlifting the dynamics of specific movements matter, and may balance out other discrepancies in height...but if the 6’2 guy is competing in the same weight class as the 5’6 guy, then the 6’2 guy is in not nearly at the same level of fitness/conditioning...if the 6’2 guy was in comparable shape, he’d be up in a higher weight class.

[keyboardworkout]

Brian and Ed

[WolfRose7]

Brian and Ed

Best photo.

Would buy you a pint just for posting

[dazitmayn]

I suppose for powerlifting the dynamics of specific movements matter, and may balance out other discrepancies in height...but if the 6’2 guy is competing in the same weight class as the 5’6 guy, then the 6’2 guy is in not nearly at the same level of fitness/conditioning...if the 6’2 guy was in comparable shape, he’d be up in a higher weight class.

yeah, the 6'2 guy would simply have less muscle mass because by default of being taller more of his mass for that weight class is going to be made up of water, bone and anything that isn't muscle